Changing living conditions and the developing frozen food industry have brought frozen Fast Food products to a significant place in daily nutrition.
Evaluating the effects of frozen Fast Food on health, Nutrition Specialist Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak said, “Various preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of frozen Fast Food products and to preserve taste and texture. While these preservatives protect the product from spoilage, they also have negative effects on health.”
Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak from Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, evaluated the effects of frozen Fast Food on health.
Changing social life order has made frozen foods important
Noting that frozen foods have become important in eating habits due to the changing social life order and the developing technology of the frozen food industry, Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak said, “Frozen foods are obtained through stages such as selecting, classifying, cleaning, washing, cutting, portioning, blanching high-quality vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meat products, followed by freezing them using various methods, preserving them in a frozen state during storage, transportation, distribution, and consumption. The ease of storage, easy processability, seasonality-independence, practicality, preservation of nutritional values, and quick preparation for consumption are characteristics that increase the preference and importance of these products.”
What are the additives used in frozen foods and their effects?
Stating that Fast Food products hold a significant place in frozen foods, Çolak continued:
“Various preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of frozen Fast Food products and to preserve their taste and texture. Sodium nitrate and nitrite are used in meat products; monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in soups, sauces, and processed meat products; benzoic acids in sauces, fruit juices, and acidic beverages; butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) to prevent rancidity in fatty foods like chips and snacks; and phosphates are frequently used in frozen meat, cheese, and pastries. While these preservatives protect the product from spoilage, they also have negative effects on health. High levels of frequent exposure to sodium nitrate and nitrite have been reported to trigger hypertension and are especially associated with stomach cancer. MSG use has been found to increase migraine attacks and cause symptoms such as headache and dizziness. High phosphate consumption, on the other hand, can negatively affect bone and kidney health.”
Significant losses in vitamin content occur
Explaining that some nutrient values decrease during the freezing process compared to fresh foods, Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak said, “While minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium remain relatively constant in nutrient content, significant losses occur in vitamin content. Particularly, decreases are observed in the levels of water-soluble Vitamin C and B vitamins. The freezing process does not create much difference in carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber content. However, the preservation of the nutritional values of frozen foods can be ensured through a high-quality and rapid freezing process.”
Can lead to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
Also stating that frozen Fast Food products are ultra-processed foods with high simple carbohydrate, saturated fat, and sodium content, while having very low fiber content, Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak said, “Therefore, regular and frequent consumption of such foods instead of fresh foods poses a health risk factor. A study conducted in Australia reported that the consumption of ultra-processed foods like frozen Fast Food is an important indicator increasing obesity. Another study found that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods both before and during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.”
For a healthy life, fresh and unprocessed foods should be consumed
Noting that prioritizing fresh, unprocessed foods and limiting the consumption of frozen Fast Food products are recommended for a healthy life, Res. Asst. Hatice Çolak concluded her words by saying, “When choosing frozen foods, priority should be given to frozen fruit, vegetable, and meat-chicken-fish products prepared with fast and appropriate freezing techniques, without the use of preservative additives.”